December 19, 2009

Bell, Fujita, Porter return to action

Some Saints are starting to get healthy.

For tonight's game against the Cowboys, two key defensive starters are returning to action: strongside linebacker Scott Fujita and cornerback Tracy Porter. Fujita has not started six of the past eight games for the team with calf and knee injuries. Porter has missed the past four games with an MCL sprain.

Also, Mike Bell, the closer in the team's runningback bullpen, has returned after missing one game and parts of others with a knee injury.

One piece of bad news - the Saints will be without starting TE Jeremy Shockey with a toe injury. That will force the Saints to play fewer 2TE sets - one of Payton's favorite sets. David Thomas and Darnell Dinkins will fill in. Also inactive are starters DT Sedrick Ellis and CB Jabari Greer.

Also, despite a minor hip injury, K Garrett Hartley is active and will serve as the team's placekicker.